The Detroit Tigers have signed executive vice president of baseball operations and general manager Al Avila to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Friday.
Today Detroit Tigers Chairman and CEO Christopher Ilitch announced he has extended the contract of Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, Al Avila. pic.twitter.com/1wwEj32nYV
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 5, 2019
"It's clear to anyone that follows Tigers baseball that our organization is undergoing a significant transformation," Tigers chairman and CEO Christopher Ilitch said in a release. "I've been impressed with Al's leadership and focus, and the steadfast way he has led our baseball operations since becoming general manager.
"Al has methodically implemented his plan, and the execution of that plan has demonstrated progress and results in scouting, drafting, player development, and analytics. I am especially pleased with the progress we have made in securing a stable of talented prospects which bodes well for our future. Al has a proven track record in this game, and his nearly three decades of experience is paying dividends in this rebuilding phase."
Avila, 60, was promoted to general manager in August of 2015. The Tigers won 86 games in his first full season as GM but then proceeded to lose 98 contests in both 2017 and 2018. His contract was set to expire after the 2020 season.
Detroit entered Friday's action with a 28-54 record in 2019.
